Paul Mayne, Western News
Through the “power of one” many great Canadian heroes have been born and the lessons they provide about humility, integrity and grace are ones graduates should draw upon as they face their own challenges, says Ronald Calhoun.
Calhoun spoke to approximately 500 graduates from the Faculty of Education and the School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies at the June 17 morning session of Western’s 297th Convocation.
The University of Western Ontario conferred an honorary Doctor of Laws upon Calhoun, for his unparalleled commitment and service to the community.
“I have learned that the happiest people don’t have everything but make the most of everything,” he says.
Calhoun has served as the National Fundraising Chairman of the Canadian Cancer Society. He has been a member of the boards of the ALS Society of Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association, president of the Foundation for Gene and Cell Therapy, chair of the Canadian Diabetes Association. He has also be appointed senior volunteer co-ordinator for Steve Fonyo’s Journey for Lives, project co-ordinator for Jessie’s Journey for Gene and Cell Therapy Research, and national coordinator for Jessie’s Journey ‐ A Father’s Tribute, to name a few.
Most notably, he was the national co-ordinator of the original Terry Fox run in 1980. Calhoun coined the now famous phrase, “Marathon of Hope,” for the event.
“These remarkable people are incredible examples of the ‘power of one,’” says Calhoun. “They stepped out of their own pain, served other people and fast became vessels of validation.”
Born in London, Calhoun attended Byron Public School and H. B. Beal Secondary School. He has also been a stanch supporter of Western throughout his life, including serving as a member on the university Senate and on the Research Ethics Board.
Calhoun played a critical role in the establishment of Partners in Research, a London‐based charity focused on educating the public (especially young people) about the key role played by health research in improving the lives of Canadians.
As executive director, he was instrumental in establishing two critical programs: the Scientific Journey, an annual event at Western bringing hundreds of London area high school students to campus each year to hear lectures; and the Virtual Researcher on Call program, which allows high school students to participate through videoconferencing and webcasting, and to interact and ask questions directly of leading researchers and learn of ground‐breaking research.
He encouraged graduates to do what they love and do it in “the most adventurist way.”
“Life is a delicate balance of forging into the future while preserving and building on the past,” he says. “It is in your hands to reinforce your best self. Embrace the love and curiosity of learning and may the thirst of knowledge always be your lifetime adventure.”
For his contributions to London and Canada, Calhoun has been honoured by numerous organizations. He received the Certificate of Merit from the Canadian Cancer Society in 1977, the Ontario Medal for Good Citizenship in 1996, the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and Rotary International, Paul Harris Fellow Award in 2008.
In his citation, Douglas Jones, associate dean, basic medical sciences academic affairs at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, commends Calhoun’s work towards encouraging young people to consider careers in the natural and life sciences, engineering and technology.
“Ronald George Calhoun is a national treasure; an exemplary citizen for our times,” says Jones. “He has achieved a record of service to our community that is without parallel.”
Also during the ceremony, the status of professor emeritus was conferred upon John Mangan and professor emerita status upon Ellen Singleton. William Guthrie was conferred the status of librarian emeritus.
